regular care and small fixes to keep a product working properly and lasting longer

a product that is no longer used or useful

a deliberate choice to meet a requirement or solve a problem

products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste

a design approach where a product is made up of separate, interchangeable parts or modules

Repair, maintenance and recycling: Energee Saw

Design and technology

Investigating contexts

Circular economy and LCA

Design: Spider boot and Jaipur foot

Manufacture and materials processing: Fairtrade

Distribution: Better Shelter and wind-up radio

Product in use: S H E uniform and Hippo Roller

Redesign: The Washing Machine Project

This unit develops pupils' knowledge of technology in the world around us.    The pupils consider a case study 'The Washing Machine Project' to empathise with issues faced by people in developing countries.  Pupils develop knowledge of moral and social issues alongside empathy.

The circular economy: developing countries

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

regular care and small fixes keep products working and lasting longer

a design approach where a product is made up of interchangeable parts

In addition to the user, who else is responsible for the repair and maintenance of a product?

What does a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluate at each stage of a product’s life?


What type of components did Daniel Sheridan use when designing the Energee Saw?

a product or material's ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time

a product or material's ability to be recycled with minimal effort.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, __________ of a product's environmental impact is influenced by design decisions.

Trousers that can be zipped off at the knee to become shorts are an example of which type of design feature?

Which stage of the circular economy is missing?

It determines how the product will be advertised.

It mainly controls how much the product will cost in shops.

It influences how the product is made, used, and disposed of.

Why is the design stage considered one of the most important phases in a product’s life cycle?

It is made from recyclable plastic that breaks down over time

It is only used in urban areas to reduce transportation emissions

It has a long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements

It can be repurposed or functions like storage bins, feeding troughs or baths.

How does the design of the Hippo Roller contribute to its environmental sustainability when in use?

Starter Quiz